Webmaster: GG7
First Baptist Church
Guatemalan Textures 2011
Family:
Wife: Patty.
She is awesome! It has been my privilege to share my life with her for over 30 years. I could not do all that is necessary as a Pastor without her. Together we've taught small groups and conferences on marriage, parenting and a variety of other topics. She is constantly working behind the scenes... encouraging, supporting, crying with some, and much of the time just keeping me out of trouble. We had way too much fun raising our children. Anniversaries in Paris (it really is the city of lovers), London and the Bahamas have been incredible. Did I mention she can cook?!"
Daughter: Courtney Craver
Married to David. She'll always be my little girl. In the mean time she has grown into a godly young woman, a great mom, and has her own business...Sublime Wedding Photography (http:www//sublimestudios.com). David is the founder of Commissioned International (http:www//commissionedint.com)...a Christian missions ministry that takes mission teams to Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico and other destinations. David is a self-starter. He's passionate about what he does. I am extremely proud to have him as my son-in-law. Believe me...not just anyone was going to marry my little girl. Oh, and by the way...they live here in Navarre.
Courtney and David have four children: Austin (4/23/04)...I'm his favorite, of course. When I say that Patty smiles and raises her eyebrow...like she thinks she's the favorite. He's tough and tumble, asks a million questions, runs at light speed (hey, that sounds like me!), and loves to play with his little brother Bradyn (9/11/07). As Courtney puts it, "Bradyn is his own little person!" Right now Grandma is his favorite. Personally, I think it's her cooking that has him hooked. Both boys enjoy playing with their weimaraner, Maddy. Landon is the third son (9/25/2011). He's going to have quite a challenge keeping up with his big brothers...but he'll do just fine. Finally, there's our little granddaughter Emory Ann. We never had an opportunity to get to know her...because her first breath was taken in Heaven. But one day...we'll all meet and hold each other tightly.
Son: Jeremy
He's the son every father wishes he had. If I told you how many largemouth bass he and I have caught together...well, you just wouldn't believe it. We've hunted deer, dived for lobster, fished for silver salmon, climbed mountans and tend to be a little competitive. Jeremy graduated from the University of North Florida (Jacksonville) with a degree in Construction and now works for a large construction firm in Anchorage, AK. He served with Youth-With-A-Mission in Australia, W. Timor, and Bali in the Surfer's for Christ ministry...tough assignment, huh? While there he met a young lady on his team from Alaska. Alaska? Surfer? Go figure. Anyway, they wound up getting married and we got the best daughter-in-law ever. Kara graduated from the International School of Design and Technology (digital photography and computer) in Tampa. She also has her own wedding photography business, Kara Pennington Photography (http:www//karapennington.com). Kara is pregnant and due with their first child in April, 2012.
Education: I attended the University of Florida (that's where I met my red-head) and Palm Beach Atlantic University, earned a Masters and Doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary.
Favorite College Team: Chomp...Gator Nation! Can you say, "3 National Championships in 2 years!!!" It's great to be a Florida Gator.
Grew up: Born and raised in Florida...I've got beach sand in my shoes.
Activities: Almost anything outdoors and in the sun...fishing, hunting, diving, bike riding, etc., etc. I like adventure. Patty and I have flown in commercial jets, light aircraft, the Bud One Airship (blimp), gliders, hot air balloons and para-sailed.
Ministry experience: I've served churches in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas since 1975. I have been the Pastor of FBCN since July 2006. I love to teach people how to have a meaningful relationship with God. The Bible...yeah, I believe it all. Jesus, He's the only way. Heaven, it's real and one day I'm going there and it is my life ambition to take as many people with me as possible. I'm energetic and enjoy being creative. Both, of which come through in my preaching.
Favorite dessert: Hard to say...but it just might be homemade peach ice cream. Boy, that sounds good. Gotta' go.
I'll see you in church this Sunday...it's going to be a great day!
Your life could be changed....forever!
Jim Pennington, Sr. Pastor